Form N227 UK: Default Judgment for Unspecified Sums
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When you issue a County Court claim and the defendant fails to respond within the time allowed, the court will not automatically rule in your favour. You need to ask it to do so, and the form you use depends on what type of claim you brought.
Form N227 is the request used when the sum owed has not been fixed, meaning the court will need to decide the amount at a later stage. This guide explains when Form N227 is the right form to file, what you should include when you send it to the court, and how it differs from the equivalent form used for fixed-sum claims. If you are unsure whether your claim qualifies as unspecified, read on before filing.
What this document is
Form N227 is a County Court form used by a claimant to ask the court to enter judgment in default against a defendant who has not filed an acknowledgment of service or a defence within the required period. It applies specifically to claims where the amount sought was not stated as a fixed figure on the original claim form.
Typical examples include claims for damages arising from breach of contract where losses still need to be quantified, personal injury claims, or disputes where the claimant has asked the court to assess what is owed. Because the sum is not yet known, filing N227 results in what is known as judgment on liability, with the actual amount decided later at a disposal hearing or assessment.
If your claim was for a fixed amount stated on the Claim Form N1, you should use Form N225 instead. The two forms serve similar purposes but lead to different procedural outcomes. Filing the wrong one can cause delays and may require you to start parts of the process again.
How to use this document
- Check the defendant's response time has expired. A defendant usually has 14 days from service of the claim to file a defence or acknowledgment of service. If they have acknowledged service, that period may be extended. Only once the relevant deadline has passed without a valid response can you apply for default judgment.
- Confirm your claim qualifies as unspecified. Look back at your original N1 Claim Form. If you asked for an amount the court must assess, rather than naming a precise figure, your claim is unspecified and N227 is the correct form. Fixed-sum claims need Form N225 instead, so getting this right matters.
- Complete Form N227 accurately. Fill in the claim number, court details, and the parties' names exactly as they appear on the original claim. Any inconsistency between documents can cause the court to reject the request, so cross-check names, addresses, and reference numbers carefully before signing.
- Prepare a covering letter. The form should be accompanied by a short letter to the court confirming what you are asking for and referencing the claim. Keep it brief and factual. Include your contact details and the claim number so court staff can process your request without needing to chase you.
- Submit to the relevant County Court. Send Form N227 together with your covering letter to the court handling the claim. Keep copies of everything you send. Once the court enters judgment, it will list the matter for a disposal hearing or assessment so the sum owed can be determined.
Common questions
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Common questions
Q What is the difference between Form N227 and Form N225?
Both forms ask the court to enter judgment in default, but they apply to different types of claim. Form N225 is for claims where a specific sum was set out on the Claim Form N1. Form N227 is for claims where the amount is not fixed and the court will need to decide what is owed at a later hearing. Using the wrong form can delay proceedings significantly.
Q How long does the defendant have to respond before I can file N227?
A defendant generally has 14 days from the date the claim was served to file a defence. If they file an acknowledgment of service within that window, they gain additional time, typically extending the total to 28 days. You should only submit Form N227 once the applicable deadline has passed and no response has been filed.
Q What happens after the court enters default judgment?
For an unspecified claim, the court enters judgment on liability but still needs to decide the amount payable. It will usually list a disposal hearing or direct a formal assessment of damages. You will need to provide evidence of your losses at that stage so the court can determine the appropriate figure before the judgment becomes enforceable.
Q Is there a fee for submitting Form N227?
Fees for court applications change periodically, and the amount may depend on how your claim is being progressed. Check the current fee schedule on gov.uk before filing, or contact the court directly. Fee remission may be available if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, and the court can provide the relevant application form.
Q Can the defendant challenge a default judgment once it has been entered?
Yes. A defendant can apply to set aside a default judgment, most commonly where they did not receive the claim, where there is a real prospect of successfully defending it, or where there is some other good reason. The court will consider whether the application was made promptly. If set aside, the claim typically continues as a defended matter.
Q What if I do not know the defendant's current address?
Service of the original claim must have been valid for a default judgment to stand. If you were not sure the claim reached the defendant, it is worth checking the position before requesting judgment. A judgment obtained on defective service is vulnerable to being set aside later, which would undo the progress you have made.
Q Do I have to attend a hearing after filing N227?
In most unspecified claims, yes. Because the court still needs to assess the amount payable, it will usually list a disposal hearing or give directions for determining quantum. You should be ready to attend with evidence of your losses, including any invoices, receipts, correspondence, or witness statements that support the sum you are claiming.
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Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N227 on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovMake a court claim for moneygov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rules Part 12 (Default Judgment)justice.gov.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure whether N227 is the right form for your claim?
Getting the procedural detail wrong at the default judgment stage can stall your claim and force you to redo steps. An experienced legal adviser can help you think through your options based on what you describe, so you can move forward with more confidence.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about default judgment
- Practical perspective on whether N227 or N225 fits your situation
- A clearer sense of what happens after judgment is entered
- Guidance tailored to what you describe about your claim
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.